Old St Paul's:your perfect wedding... our perfect venue

Imagine your wedding ceremony at Old St Paul's ... famed for its glowing wooden interior and beautiful stained glass windows. Memories for a lifetime start here.

Intimate, welcoming, elegant and tranquil, Old St Paul's is just a few minutes away from the central city and its selection of reception venues. The church is still consecrated, and is interdenominational - offering couples the choice of a religious or civil ceremony whether it is traditional or modern in nature. Since 1866, it's been our perfect venue for your perfect wedding!

Personal Service

Our professional weddings coordinator will assist you with ensuring that the most important part of your special day is as relaxed and stress-free as possible.

The weddings coordinator will discuss the details of your service with you, sharing as much of her professional experience as you might require, and will be on hand on the day to ensure everything goes as you would wish. She will also be available at the wedding rehearsal to attend to any last minute details.

Old St Paul's is no longer a parish church so we do not have a resident clergy. We would be delighted to refer you to reputable celebrants, as well as to other professional services you may need such as photographers, organist, pianist or other musicians, and florists.

Dates/Times

Weddings are normally held at 11 a.m., 1.00 p.m., 3.00 p.m. and 5.00 p.m. on Saturdays and certain holidays.Weddings may be held on any other day of the week or at night (by request), all the year round.

Booking in advance helps ensure you get the perfect date, but Old St Paul's may be available even on short notice. It's well worth making an enquiry.

Hire of the church is usually for one and a half hours - this allows time for guests to arrive, the ceremony, greeting guests and photography afterward. Most wedding services are about 30 minutes duration. If you anticipate your service lasting longer than this, please discuss it with the weddings coordinator when you book. Provided that a ceremony following yours will not be affected, we are often able to accommodate such requests.

Music

Old St Paul's has an organ and a grand piano. Our organist will meet with you to discuss your requirements; we have a significant selection of music from which to choose. You may wish to include other musicians (friends or family members for example) as part of the ceremony - please let us know so that we can advise about how maximum effect may be given to their participation and erformance.

A sound system also allows for your own CDs or tapes to be played if you prefer.

Bells

The Old St Paul's Bellringers Guild may ring for your wedding on request. Their fee is separate to the Old St Paul's venue hire charge.

Photography

Your photographer and videographer are very welcome at Old St Paul's to record your special day. Please invite them to attend your wedding rehearsal as well - this helps ensure the best results for capturing those precious memories.

Flowers & decorations

Professionally arranged seasonal flowers are provided on either side of the chancel steps and on the altar. Additional flower arrangements may be added, but these are at your expense and may be taken to the reception afterwards.

Due to heritage preservation restrictions, ornaments or other decorations may not be attached to the building or its fittings.

Service Sheets

You must arrange production of your service sheets. We have many examples to help with ideas, and a picture of Old St Paul's is available if required.

Confetti

Out of consideration for other couples and the public using the church, confetti and rice are not permitted in the church, around the entrance or the grounds.

Consider using rose petals or bubbles - but for outside use only.

Rehearsal

A rehearsal with your celebrant will be scheduled (by mutual agreement) during the week prior to your wedding day. All those taking an active part in the ceremony should be invited to attend, including the photographer and videographer.

The Old St Paul's weddings coordinator will be on hand as well to discuss final details.

Booking & Fees

The venue hire fee includes

• hire of the church
• rehearsal time
• organist/pianist
• use of the sound system
• floral arrangements.

Please contact us for details of the current hire charges.

To book, ring to check availability for your preferred date and time. A booking form will be sent, and should be returned within seven days with a non-refundable deposit of $300. Your booking is confirmed only when you receive a receipt from Old St Paul's for the deposit. The balance ($650) is required three months before your wedding date.

For weddings taking place in less than three months from the time of booking, full payment is required immediately..

Should your plans change, you may transfer your booking to another date (subject to availability). We regret that your deposit is not refundable should you cancel your plans.

Contact - for enquiries and a full information pack

Judith Baxter
Old St Paul's
Ph 04 473 6722 Fax 04 472 6422
Email: jbaxter@xtra.co.nz

Your perfect wedding ...
our perfect venue.

View our brochure (pdf file 373kb)